Zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81534075389?pwd=TTdGY2NxS3AzTW13ODJESkdYME9aUT09
Meeting ID: 815 3407 5389
Passcode: 803326
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| Russ Banner, Peace and Social Justice Activist |
Presiders: Lee Breyer and Bridget Mary Meehan
Readers: Jack McKillip and Mary Montavon, Lisa Babusck
Music Minister: Linda Lee Miska
IT: Bridget Mary Meehan
Introduction:
Presider 1: Lee Breyer
Welcome to our Mary Mother of Jesus Inclusive Community Memorial Liturgy for Russ Banner. This community had been the center of Russ’s life during his retirement years here in Florida. From the earliest days of house church, to St. Andrew UCC, to the days of ZOOM, he loved to gather once a week with his brothers and sisters.
Russ wrote this beautiful liturgy that we will pray today. Please pray the parts marked all and sing your hearts out while muted. If you have a speaking part, please unmute for your part and remute when finished. Please have bread and wine on your table as we begin this celebration of Russ's life and legacy with our Gathering Song.
Gathering Song: Sing Out, Earth and Skies [Marty Haugen]
Come, O God of all the earth: Come to us, O Righteous One;
Come, and bring our love to birth: In the Holy Chosen One.
Refrain:
Sing out, earth and skies! Sing of the God who loves you!
Raise your joyful cries! Dance to the life around you!
Come O God of wind and flame: Fill the earth with righteousness;
Teach us all to sing your name: May our lives your love confess. [Refrain]
Come O God of flashing light, twinkling star and burning sun;
God of day and God of night: In your light we all are one. [Refrain]
Come O God of snow and rain: Shower down upon the earth.
Come O God of joy and pain, God of sorrow, God of mirth. [Refrain]
Come, O Justice, Come, O Peace: Come and shape our hearts anew;
Come, and make oppression cease: Bring us all to life with you. [Refrain]
Greeting:
Presider 2 and All: Bridget Mary
+ In the name of Mother/Father / Christ the Chosen One / and the Holy Spirit, our Wisdom / Amen.
Transformation Rite
Presider 2: Bridget Mary
We come together that we might form as one in spirit, but we know that our lives have left a mixed message. … In the past, we have chosen our will and our lives over God and others, and we recognize God’s response every time:
[Presider 1 and All] Lee
The Holy One forgives! We, in turn, must forgive the wrongs of others. The Holy One loves. We, in turn, must love all others.
[we pause in silent reflection]
Presider 2 and All: Bridget Mary
[hands raised in blessing over each other]
May the lesson of forgiveness bind us together in the Love that never ends. Blessed be our loving God!
Glory to God, Glory! by Linda Lee Miska.
Opening Prayer:
Presider 1: Lee
We pause in prayer…
(please pause in silence for all)
Presider 1: Lee
Holy One our God, we give thanks and remember our brother, Russ. Although his journey was but for a time among us, we are grateful for all you accomplished in, with and through him. For it was in dying that he rose with you to everlasting life, a dying that set him free in this life to know you for all eternity. Blessings upon you our God the Merciful, Who is Unconditional Love for all, with no exceptions.
All: Amen.
Presider 1: Lee
We pause in silent reflection as fitting preparation for hearing God’s Word. [pause]
LITURGY OF THE WORD
First Reading: Jack McKillip
Reader 1: A selection from the writings of Teilhard de Chardin.
When the signs of age begin mark my body [and still more when they touch my mind]; when the ill that is to diminish me or carry me off strikes from without or is born with me; when the painful moment comes in which I suddenly awaken to the fact that I am ill or grown old; and above all that last moment when I feel I am losing hold of myself and am absolutely passive within the hands of the great unknown forces that have formed me; in all those dark moments, O God, grant that I may understand that it is you [provided only my faith is strong enough] who are painfully parting the fibers of my being in order to penetrate to the very marrow of my substance and bear me away within yourself. [pause]
This day, sisters and brothers, through a great Teacher, we have heard the Word of God!
All: Thanks be to the Holy One, our God!
[please pause in silent reflection]
Response: Eye Has Not Seen [Marty Haugen] https://youtu.be/rRyOS0nZr7s
Refrain:
Eye has not seen, ear has not heard
What God has ready for those who love God.
Spirit of Love, come give us the mind of Jesus,
Teach us the wisdom of God.
When pain and sorrow weigh us down,
Be near to us, O God,
Forgive the weakness of our faith,
and bear us up within your peaceful word. [refrain]
Our lives are but a single breath,
We flower and we fade,
Yet all our days are in your hands,
So we return in love what love has made. [refrain]
[pause, focus, in silent attentiveness, in preparation for hearing the Holy Word]
Reader 2: Mary Montavon
Russ enjoyed being an active part of the Body of Christ, especially when gathered with Mary Mother of Jesus Inclusive Catholic Community. Worshipping the God of all in the midst of all of us was the blessing that kept him growing on. He also was a long-time, long-distance runner—from high school into his 40’s—a metaphor for his spiritual journey.
Our second reading is from Paul's Letter to the Philippians (chapter 3, vs. 10-14, Running with Jesus)
I gave up a lot of stuff so that I could know Christ personally, experience Christ’s resurrection power, be a partner in Christ’s suffering, and go all the way with Christ to death itself. If there was any way to get in on the resurrection from the dead, I wanted to do it.
I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have covered the entire course. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has wondrously grabbed hold of me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: by no means do I count myself an expert in how to run this race; but I have my eyes of the prize, while God is cheering us onward—toward Christ Jesus. Hey, I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back! [pause]
Sisters and Brothers, through Paul the apostle, we have heard the Word of God
All: Thanks be to the Holy One, our God!
Alle, Alle, Alleluia! by Linda Lee Miska. https://youtu.be/gIHnZn3JjcM
Reader 3: Lisa Babusck (Russ's niece)
A reading from the Gospel of Matthew 11:28-30 -Come to me
Are you tired? Worn out? Burn out on religion? Come to me. Come away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to really take a break. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely, gently, and nonviolently. [pause]
Sisters and Brothers we have heard this day the Gospel Good News according to Matthew—
All: Praise to you, Christ of the Cosmos!
Alle, Alle, Alleluia! https://youtu.be/gIHnZn3JjcM
Homily Starter: Bridget Mary
This video was created by Bridget Mary from a 30 Minute slide show that Russ made of precious memories from his life. ( For Liturgy we will show a clip of 30 minute video below)
Clip of Video:
30 Minute Video:
https://youtu.be/jIqESiy59Fw
https://youtu.be/jIqESiy59Fw
Music: "let justice roll like a river and wash all oppression away.
Come O God and wake us,
move and shake us
Come now and make us anew that we might
love justice like you.: (Marty Haugen)
Shared Homily:
We share now the Living Word as found alive in, with and through each of us the Body of Christ. As the gathered Body of Christ here and now, Russ' s family and friends, members of our MMOJ community we invite you share a brief story or reflection about our dear brother and friend, Russ:
Profession of Faith
Voice #1 Mary Al and All:
We are a people of faith, bound by faith, and led by faith. We believe in the Holy One, Our God, Divine Mystery beyond all definition and understanding, heart of all that has ever existed, that exists now, or will ever exist, whose divinity infuses the entire cosmos, making everything sacred. Mother/Father God is with us.
Voice #2 Joan M and All:
We believe in the Chosen One, Christ of the Cosmos, God’s Word enfleshed, Bearer of healing, New life and compassion, who—as Jesus—brought us through the consequences of our brokenness to now share life eternal in the risen Body of Christ. Christ is with us.
Voice #3 Ann C. and All:
We believe in the Holy Spirit, Wisdom, Sophia. She strengthens us on our journey to follow Christ as a loving people, share our gifts, be a source of compassion, truth, be instruments and witnesses of peace and justice in the world. She who is Holy is with us.
Voice #4 Jack D. and All:
We believe in God’s reign on earth here and now and forever—a KINdom of compassionate, nonviolent Love that embraces all and stretches all about us for all those with eyes to recognize it and hearts to share it with everyone, everywhere—with no exceptions. Amen.
Prayers of the Community
Voice #5: //Beth
As a community, we take this time now to bring into our midst the needs of others. Please respond after each petition is offered, "Holy One, hear us as we pray!"
Voice #6: Anna D
We remember all who have gone before us, especially the grandparents, parents, brother and sister of Russ, the deceased of his 1967 ordination class, his special and close friend, Eileen, as well as relatives, many parishioners and friends; we also remember the departed members of this community: Jack Meehan, Marie Scott, Carol Ann Breyer, Ron Modras, Tom Murtha, Ford Englerth, Jody and Joe Adler, Charlie Grunkemeyer, Ron Sushinski, Angela Herbert, Imogene Rigdon, Helen Duffy, Eileen Miller, Bob Murray, Don Thompson, Bob MacMillan and Sally Brochu;
All: Holy One, hear us as we pray!
Voice #7: Joan P.
We remember the call to peace through justice and pray for the Catholic Worker wherever it labors and the Pax Christ USA Peace Movement wherever it is found:
All: Holy One, hear us as we pray!
Voice #8: Andrea S.
We remember all those who labor to end hunger in this world, including Catholic Relief Services, Bread for the World, Rick Steves, Food for the Poor, parish and local food pantries; may all they do reflect always the mercy and love of God:
All: Holy One, hear us as we pray!
Voice #9: Suzanne B.
We remember your saintly servant leaders, Dr. Bob and Bill W., and the millions of women and men and youth who sought and found transformative recovery by living the Twelve Steps of AA in a variety of 12 Step programs;
All: Holy One, hear us as we pray!
Voice # 10: Jerry B.
And for what else shall we pray? …… [community response]
All: Holy One, hear us as we pray!
Voice # 10: Jerry B.
These are the needs of your people, O Holy One, needs that we submit with full trust in your loving response.
All: Amen
LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST
Preparation of the Gifts
[participants place before themselves bread and wine.]
All Sing: Only a Shadow Carey Landry https://youtu.be/tbCM4w2eWqs
The love we have for you, O Christ,
is only a shadow of our love for us;
only a shadow of your love for us;
your deep abiding love. [next verse]
The bread we take and eat, O Christ,
is your body broken and shared with us;
your body broken and shared with us;
the gift of your great love. [refrain]
Refrain: Our lives are in your hands,
our lives are in your hands.
Our love for you will grow, O Christ;
your light in us will shine.
Our own belief in you, O Christ,
Is only a shadow of your faith in us;
only a shadow of your faith in us;
your deep and lasting faith, [next verse]
The dreams we share today, O Christ,
are only a shadow of your dreams for us;
only a shadow of your dreams for us;
if we but follow you. [refrain]
The joy we share today, O Christ,
is only a shadow of your joys for us;
only a shadow of your joys for us;
when we meet face to face. [refrain]
(raise up gifts)
Presider 1 and All: Lee
Blessed are you, O Holy One our God, who has given us gifts of food and drink, financial offerings and gifts of each other as we are gathered here today; may we become bread of life, spiritual drink, and transformed people in a material world. Amen
EUCHARISTIC PRAYER
[All: place hands over gifts and pray]
Presider 2 and All: Bridget Mary
As we do in this place what you did in an upstairs room, send down your Spirit Sophia on us and on these gifts of bread and wine that they may become for us your body: non-violent, healing and forgiving. May we become for you, your body, loving and caring in the world until your KINdom embraces all.
All sing: Holy, Holy, Holy (Linda Lee Miska)
(We [you, I, we] are holy, holy, holy! As produced by Linda Lee Miska]
Presider 1: Lee
On the night before Jesus died a vicious, and cruel death, he sat peacefully at a Seder meal with his companions. Reminding them of all he taught, Jesus bent down to wash their feet. He then said:” Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you must love one another.”
Jesus knew he faced a memorable and life-giving death. Right to the end, no matter what, he knew exactly why he was about to sacrifice all for all.
Presider 2 and All: Bridget Mary
[with hand extended in blessing]
Jesus returned to his place at table, lifted the Passover bread and spoke the blessing, then broke the bread saying: “Take ,eat. This is my very self.”
[pause]
Jesus then raised the cup of blessing, spoke the grace, and offered them the wine saying: “Take, drink of the covenant made new again through my life for you and for everyone. Whenever-wherever you do this, remember me.”
Memorial Acclamation: (Sung)
"We remember how you loved us- to your death and still we celebrate for you are with us here- and we believe that we will see you when you come in your glory. We remember, we celebrate, we believe."
Voice #1 : Mary Al
We recall Jesus’ passion and execution on a cross, how he suffered at the hands of those filled with the spirit of violence and hostility. But, we also recall that he died loving enemies, praying for persecutors, forgiving, and being superabundantly merciful to those who would otherwise have demanded mere justice.
Voice #2: Joan M.
Remember, Holy One our God, your church throughout the world. May our hearts be open to everyone as sisters and brothers. Then, joined with all people, may we strive to create a world where we live nonviolently, where suffering is diminished, and all can live in peace, health and wholeness.
Voice #3 and All: Ann C.
Thru Christ, with Christ, in Christ, together with the Holy Spirit, all glory is yours, Holy One our God forever and ever…
[sing] Amen as sung by Linda Lee Miska
COMMUNION RITE
Voice 4 and All: Jack D.
And now, we join in our family prayer…
All:
Eternal Spirit,
Earth-maker, Pain-bearer, Life-giver,
Source of all that is and that shall be,
Mother and Father of us all—
Loving God, in whom is heaven:
The hallowing of your name echo through the universe!
The way of your justice be followed by the peoples
of the world!
Your heavenly will be done by all created beings!
Your commonwealth of peace and freedom
sustain our hope and come on earth.
With the bread we need for today, feed us.
In the hurts we absorb from one another, forgive us.
In times of temptation and test, strengthen us.
From trials too great to endure, spare us.
From the grip of all that is evil, free us.
For you reign in the glory of the power that is love,
now and for ever. Amen.
SIGN OF PEACE:
Voice 5: Beth P.
As Christ among us, please share now with each other a sign of peace and love. [bowing] Namesté! Namesté! Namesté!
BREAKING OF BREAD:
Presider 1 and All: Lee
Holy One, you call us to speak truth to power; we will do so.
Holy One, you call us to live the Gospel of healing and justice; we will do so.
Holy One, you call us to be your presence in this world; we will do so.
Presider 2: Bridget Mary
This is Christ who liberates, heals and transforms us and our world. All are invited to partake of this banquet of love.
Presider 2 and All: Bridget Mary
WE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST!
Holy gifts for holy people, come you hungry and believe. Come receive Christ’s body offered, come and be what you receive. Receive the Body and Blood of Christ/ in the midst of the Body and Blood of Christ/ as the gathered Body and Blood of Christ/ now and
Communion Song :
We Will Rise Again [David Haas]
https://youtu.be/V0Jhui8RvuU
Like a shepherd I will feed you; I will gather you with care.
I will lead you and hold you close to my heart.
Refrain:
We will run and not grow weary, for our God will be our strength,
And we will fly like the eagle, we will rise again.
I am strength to the weary, to the weak I am new life.
Though the young may grow weary, I will be their hope. [refrain]
Lift up your eyes, and see who made the stars.
I lead you, and I know you, I call you each by name. [refrain]
Fear not, I am with you; I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you; uphold you with my hand. [refrain]
Presider 2: Bridget Mary
Community Prayers of Thanksgiving - Introductions - Announcements
CLOSING BLESSING
Presider 1: Lee
Turn toward each other with hand extended in blessing and sing You are the Face of God.
You are the face of God; I hold you in my heart;
you are a part of me; you are the face of God.
You are the face of God; I hold you in my heart;
you are my family; you are the face of God.
SENDING FORTH
Presider 1: Lee
Go now in the peace of Christ!
In the memory of all those
who have gone before us
and all those who are yet to come among us,
may our non-violent loving service
of peace and justice toward all
continue to mark our presence on this earth, leading us forth into the race of life
as we head to its fulfillment before us!
All: Thanks be to God, Alleluia! Alleluia!
Presider 2: Bridget Mary
We are ending this Memorial Liturgy with Russ's own words and the grand MMMOJ SENDOFF!
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| Russ with his dear friend Eileen |
This Memorial Liturgy was written by Russ Banner
Mary Mother of Jesus Inclusive Catholic Community PO BOX:
Please send donations to:
Mary Mother of Jesus Inclusive Catholic Community
5342 Clark Road #3079
Sarasota, FL 34233
Please send intention for our community prayer book to Joan Meehan.
www.marymotherofjesus.net